The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-02-26
THELAW MUST BE ENFORCED
The New Police Board Take Charge of
the Force and Give Their Orders.
The Reorganization Deferred Until Next Mon
day, and Capt. Colbert Is Continued as Su-
perintendent-Pendleton May Contest.

Yesterday afternoon, at o'clock, the bonds of
the Metropolitan Police Commissioners were pre-
sented to Governor Gray by Mr. W. H. Hobbs.
The Governor evinced some excitement in re-
ceiving them. Going into his private room he
returned almost instantly and remarked, as he
lad the papers on o table, that ne would slook
into the matter" However, there was no dis
position to wait upon any such unnecessary
formaity, and the papers were taken to the Sec
rotary of States Office, where they were properly
fled The new commissioners then proceeded to
the county clerks Office, and. after being sworn
IN by Deputy Clerk Joyce, went to the police
station, where they held their first meeting. Be-
fore doing any business they inspected the sta
tion-house, and made the acquain lance of the
employees The meeting was called to order by
Colonel Ruckle, and after some informal talk,
Mr.. ELAN proposed that Colonel Ruckle be
chosen president of the board. Mr.. Henderson
seconded the nomination, and the two cast their
votes for him. It was then agreed to do no
further business until Monday afternoon, when
they will meet to reorganize the force.
| Superintendent Colbert was present, and be-
fore the board adjourned Colonel Ruckle sug-
| gested to him that the board would expect him
to enforce the law to the letter against all VIC
lators. Mr.. Elan said that Colonel Ruckle
spoke his sentiments and they would expect
nothing from him but an impartial enforcement
OF all laws. The board then adjourned
| "Wili you obey their instructions?' asked
journal reporter of Superintendent Colbert after
| the board had adjourned.
"Of course / will" said he. II am going to
enforce the laws to the letter, whether it is for
| one day, one week or longer II I hear of a
man tonight who does not arrest violator OF
| any kind, l will lay him off tomorrow night"
At roll call last evening Mr. Colbert remarked
that the new board had asked him to enforce the
laws, and said: 81 will expect all Of you to fol-
| low the instructions gave sou the other night.
| shall expect you to do your duty" The order
ae had reference to was the one with string at
tached that he gave week ago, and which has
never been obeyed.
| 1t was general talk all day yesterday that the
old board and Superintendent Colbert will
fuse to relinquish their positions, and will file
| injunction suit. asking for restraining order,
but there seemed to be little foundation for such
| a rumor. Colbert is retcent about saving what
he will do until Mr. Pendleton, who is in Wash
! ington returns He intimated that he would
| not make any fight unless Pendleton urged him
| to do SO, A telegram was sent to Pendleton,
Thursday night. asking him TO come home inn
| mediately, and he answered that he would
be here this morning. His friends say he will
not relinquish his office without legal proceed
| ings. Mr.. Holt takes altogether a different view
of the matter He said yesterday: 81 am now
| a private citizen. II the positions had been re-
| versed. and had control of the State Offices tbs
| removals would have been made some time ago.
| l shall certainly made no resistance"
The Coy gang of politicians object to Mr..
| Henderson on the ground that he is not Demo
| crat.
Among the candidates for superintendent are
| Can't. Tim Spann, one of the captains of the old
police force; Al Travis and R. S. Golfer. The
members of the board have as yet expressed nc
preference. Among those who are spoken Of
for secretary are Eugene Saulcey, A. J. Joyce
and Mr.. Mckinney, formerly of the railway mai
service